Pawlenty's 2012 Aspirations Linked to Not Signing Off Soon on Franken's Senate Seat?

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
by Chad Rubel

Tim Pawlenty has decided to not run again for governor of Minnesota in 2010, more than likely making a 2012 presidential run.

But the news also has an impact on the Al Franken Senate seat, and when (if?) Pawlenty will sign off once the Minnesota Supreme Court has spoken. Until now, there was a theory that Pawlenty might sign off only to save himself being defeated for governor in 2010, which would severely crash his future prospects.

Without having to worry about the voters in Minnesota, Pawlenty can play into the national GOP's hands, and stall the Senate situation even longer than the incredible delay.

The Minnesota Supreme Court, at least based on deliberations with Norm Coleman's legal team, doesn't seem anxious to give Norm Coleman the opportunity he seeks.

Pawlenty, in an attempt to play up to the GOP base, might be tempted to extend this circus of not seating an U.S. Senator. However, if Gov. Pawlenty really does have aspirations for points beyond Minnesota, he should seriously consider signing off on Franken's electoral victory.

Presidential candidates are often a reflection of their state -- the state's successes make the candidates look good. But very few candidates succeed without a strong base at home. If Minnesota voters are still blasting Pawlenty in 2011 and 2012 for his actions against Franken and democracy in 2009, his limited presidential chances will shrink to almost nothing.

The GOP base would counter that Pawlenty can't survive in a Republican primary without their strength. But conservative voters are going to be looking for a voice that has a chance against President Obama in 2012, and they may bypass the GOP base to find that voice. Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Jon Kyl -- these aren't the voices of the future.

Pawlenty could be, but only if he conforms to democratic (small d) values and signs off on Franken's seat once the Minnesota Supreme Court denies Coleman's chances. If Pawlenty looks for short-term gain at the expense of democracy, Minnesota voters and those of us outside Minnesota will be waiting eagerly to punish Pawlenty in 2012.

It's not an idle threat. Democratic people won't have much to do with an incumbent running for re-election; they will have plenty of time to make mischief. Pawlenty would rise to the top of their list if he sacrifices democracy to gain suck-up points from the far right-wing element at the expense of electoral democracy.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS

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